Golf record bid for Tabor House

The Navan man who broke a world record last year by playing 109 holes of golf in just one day has set himself an even bigger challenge this year in a bid to raise funds for local addiction centre, Tabor House.
Joe Smyth will be joined by nine others this year to take on the mammoth challenge of completing 1000 rounds of golf in one day at the Headfort Golf Club, Kells on Wednesday 27th July.
The ten strong team to take on the challenge consists of Joe Smyth, Martin Meagan, Kevin Duffy, Tony McClean, Brian Mason, Donal Dunne, Alex Briscoe, Joe Gillespie, Derek Daly, and Jack McNulty.
Joe Smyth, a boiler service engineer, explains that he wanted to do something to help Tabor House after being inspired by its founder, Sr Catherine Lillis, when he heard her speak in Trim two years ago.
Tabor House is a 10-bed residential secondary addiction treatment centre in Navan for men. The intention is to extend its service to provide a similar programme for women.
“Tabor House holds a golf classic every year and I was at the cheque presentation in Trim two years ago. Sr Catherine spoke and I was very touched by what she said and genuinely inspired,” said Joe,
“I listened to Sr Catherine that night and I approached the committee and said I would love to do something for Tabor House.”
Joe, who is well-known locally through his chimney sweep and boiler servicing business, is involved in the background in services for people recovering from alcohol addiction.
“It is a genuine effort to give something back to the community. It is a very deserving cause in the town. I also want to put awareness out there,” he said.
Since his successful fund raiser last year, with which he raised €7000, people have been asking him if he was holding another even this year and along with his friend Martin Meagan came up with the idea of a 1000 rounds in one day.
There are a number of ways people can support Joe’s golfathon. Tee boxes and holes can be sponsored. Donations can also be made by cheque, bank transfer or by Paypal though the Tabor House website. As it is registered charity, businesses will be able to get tax relief on any donations and anyone who wants to contribute can also contact Joe directly.
Joe wants to thank the Headfort Golf Club, of which he is a member and its secretary, Kevin Kidney for facilitating the challenge, as well as the club’s committee.